(Eagle News)—President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure requiring the use of a safety restraint system for children in motor vehicles while on the road.
Under Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, children 12 years old and below should use the device that can put a child in a sitting or supine position so in the event of a collision or abrupt deceleration, his or her mobility is limited, thereby allowing for less risks.
The law, signed by President Duterte on Feb. 22, also prohibits children from sitting on the front seat, unless he or she is at least 150 centimeters or 56 inches in height and can properly fit in the regular seat belt.
A driver found violating the law will be meted out a P1,000 fine for the first offense; for the second offense, P2000; and for the third and succeeding offenses, P5,000 and the suspension of the driver’s license for one year.